Resources

18 pages, 1217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Motor Fuel Components by Processing Vegetable Oils Using a CoMo/Al₂O₃ Hydrotreating Catalyst and a ZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst

by Daria Sosnina, Andrey Altynov, Maria Kirgina and Ilya Bogdanov

Resources 2024, 13(7), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070096 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Viewed by 301

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a need to search for new renewable energy sources from which it is possible to obtain hydrocarbons that are similar in composition and properties to hydrocarbons of petroleum origin. This is due to a significant increase in demand for natural [...] Read more.

Nowadays, there is a need to search for new renewable energy sources from which it is possible to obtain hydrocarbons that are similar in composition and properties to hydrocarbons of petroleum origin. This is due to a significant increase in demand for natural minerals and, as a consequence, the depletion of their reserves. Today, the most promising alternative renewable energy sources are various vegetable oils, which are used both in their pure form, adding them to commercial mineral fuels, and as products of catalytic processing using various catalysts. However, most studies in the field of alternative energy show that the use of fuels obtained from vegetable oils is limited by their properties as well as the climatic conditions of the areas where biofuels can be used. In this work, we propose an integrated approach to the processing of vegetable oils, which allows us to obtain products of a wide fractional composition with improved operational properties. This approach consists of sequential processing of vegetable oils, first using a CoMo/Al₂O₃ hydrotreating catalyst in order to obtain classical long-chain hydrocarbons with unsatisfactory properties, and then using a zeolite catalyst, ZSM-5 type, which is characterized by the active occurrence of cracking, isomerization, and aromatization reactions, which are accompanied by a decrease in the length of the hydrocarbon chain of the hydrocarbons obtained during the hydrotreating process and, as a result, improving the physicochemical and low-temperature properties of the resulting processed products. Full article

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25 pages, 6261 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Quantifying Forest Cover Loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin (DR Congo) through Remote Sensing and Landscape Analysis

by Yannick Useni Sikuzani, Médard Mpanda Mukenza, Ildephonse Kipili Mwenya, Héritier Khoji Muteya, Dieu-donné N’tambwe Nghonda, Nathan Kasanda Mukendi, François Malaisse, Françoise Malonga Kaj, Donatien Dibwe Dia Mwembu and Jan Bogaert

Resources 2024, 13(7), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070095 (registering DOI) - 5 Jul 2024

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Abstract

In the context of the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin (LCPB), the socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated pressures on populations dependent on forest resources for their subsistence. This study employs a comprehensive methodological approach, integrating advanced remote sensing techniques, including image [...] Read more.

In the context of the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin (LCPB), the socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated pressures on populations dependent on forest resources for their subsistence. This study employs a comprehensive methodological approach, integrating advanced remote sensing techniques, including image classification, mapping, and detailed landscape analysis, to quantify alterations in forest cover within the LCPB during the pandemic period. Our findings reveal a consistent trend of declining forested area, characterized by processes of attrition and dissection observed throughout various study phases, spanning from May 2019 to November 2023. This reduction in forest cover, notably more pronounced in the vicinity of Lubumbashi city and the northern zone of the LCPB, proved to be less pronounced between November 2019 and September 2020, underscoring the influence of COVID-19 pandemic-induced confinement measures on forest management practices in the region. However, subsequent to this period of restriction, deforestation activity intensified, leading to significant landscape transformations within the LCPB, primarily attributable to expanded human activities, consequently resulting in a notable decrease in the proportion of land occupied by these natural ecosystems. Consequently, the size of the largest forest patch declined substantially, decreasing from 14.62% to 8.20% between May 2019 and November 2023, thereby fostering a heightened density of forest edges over time. Our findings provide a significant contribution to understanding the complex interactions between the COVID-19 pandemic and deforestation phenomena, emphasizing the urgent need to adopt adaptive management strategies and appropriate conservation measures in response to current economic challenges. Full article

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25 pages, 887 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Factors Influencing Water Use Behaviour and the Efficiency of Agricultural Production in South Africa

by Heinrich C. Kotze, Mlibo S. M. A. Qotoyi, Yonas T. Bahta, Henry Jordaan and Markus A. Monteiro

Resources 2024, 13(7), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070094 - 1 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Water use behaviour and efficiency are essential topics regarding water scarcity. Water is a life-sustaining resource used for various activities within the three primary sectors: agricultural, industrial, and domestic. Increasing competition among these sectors could affect the availability and sustainability of water use. [...] Read more.

Water use behaviour and efficiency are essential topics regarding water scarcity. Water is a life-sustaining resource used for various activities within the three primary sectors: agricultural, industrial, and domestic. Increasing competition among these sectors could affect the availability and sustainability of water use. The higher demand for agricultural-related commodities emphasizes the efficient and productive use of water. Still, to achieve this, the behaviour of consumers regarding water use needs to be changed. This systematic review paper aims to highlight the factors affecting water use behaviour and efficiency for agricultural production in South Africa. It further aims to determine how agricultural producers change their behaviour to improve their water use efficiency. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria were used as a reporting framework and guidelines to identify the articles included in the review. The review only included articles focussing on agricultural water use behaviour and efficiency and articles written in English and excluded articles from web pages, blogs, magazines, etc. The databases used for the review were Google Scholar and Web of Science. The articles were reviewed by the five authors to avoid the risk of bias, along with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final review included 30 peer-reviewed articles. A word frequency table was developed using the NVivo 14 software to conduct a thematic analysis for the review. The main factors which played a role in the water use behaviour and efficiency of farmers were (i) climate and adaptation strategies, (ii) policy and water pricing, and (iii) agricultural production and management. Each category elaborated on how water use could be improved and the different measures adopted to incorporate sustainable farm water use. This could be a guideline for farmers, stakeholders, and policymakers to improve and enhance water use behaviour and efficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly South Africa. This could ultimately assist in efficiently using the water while enhancing sustainability within the agricultural sector and attaining Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) six, which is to increase water use efficiency. The limitation of this study was that it was only narrowed down to the geographical context of South Africa. This review was funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC) of South Africa (Project Number: C20222023-00798). This review was not registered. Full article

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14 pages, 1712 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Environmental Impacts of Wheat Production in Different Agrotechnical Systems

by Kamran Kheiralipour, Miguel Brandão, Malgorzata Holka and Adam Choryński

Resources 2024, 13(7), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070093 - 1 Jul 2024

Viewed by 479

Abstract

In light of the environmental challenges currently facing humanity, the issue of the environmental sustainability of crop production is becoming increasingly pressing. This is due to the fact that global population growth and the related demand for food are placing significant pressure on [...] Read more.

In light of the environmental challenges currently facing humanity, the issue of the environmental sustainability of crop production is becoming increasingly pressing. This is due to the fact that global population growth and the related demand for food are placing significant pressure on the environment. Wheat is a strategic crop globally due to its extensive cultivation area, high production and consumption levels, and vital nutritional properties. It is cultivated across diverse climatic conditions and within various agricultural production systems. It is of the utmost importance to pursue sustainable wheat production on a global scale, given the necessity to protect the environment and climate. The application of life cycle assessment (LCA) enables the identification of potential avenues for enhancing wheat production processes, thereby reducing the negative environmental impacts associated with these processes. This paper presents a synthesis of the existing literature on the environmental LCA of wheat grain production. It compares the impacts of different production systems, highlights critical stages in wheat cultivation, and provides recommendations for sustainable practices and directions for future research. Full article

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24 pages, 506 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogen in Energy Transition: The Problem of Economic Efficiency, Environmental Safety, and Technological Readiness of Transportation and Storage

by Svetlana Revinova, Inna Lazanyuk, Bella Gabrielyan, Tatevik Shahinyan and Yevgenya Hakobyan

Resources 2024, 13(7), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070092 - 1 Jul 2024

Viewed by 432

Abstract

The circular economy and the clean-energy transition are inextricably linked and interdependent. One of the most important areas of the energy transition is the development of hydrogen energy. This study aims to review and systematize the data available in the literature on the [...] Read more.

The circular economy and the clean-energy transition are inextricably linked and interdependent. One of the most important areas of the energy transition is the development of hydrogen energy. This study aims to review and systematize the data available in the literature on the environmental and economic parameters of hydrogen storage and transportation technologies (both mature and at high technological readiness levels). The study concluded that salt caverns and pipeline transportation are the most promising methods of hydrogen storage and transportation today in terms of a combination of all parameters. These methods are the most competitive in terms of price, especially when transporting hydrogen over short distances. Thus, the average price of storage will be 0.35 USD/kg, and transportation at a distance of up to 100 km is 0.3 USD/kg. Hydrogen storage underground in a gaseous state and its transportation by pipelines have the least consequences for the environment: emissions and leaks are insignificant, and there is no environmental pollution. The study identifies these methods as particularly viable given their lower environmental impact and potential for seamless integration into existing energy systems, therefore supporting the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series – Energy Resources: Past, Present and Future Role in a Circular Economy)

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20 pages, 1451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Food Loss and Waste in Chile: Insights for Policy and Sustainable Development Goals

by Daniel Durán-Sandoval, Gemma Durán-Romero and Ana M. López

Resources 2024, 13(7), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070091 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 357

Abstract

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that Latin America and the Caribbean experienced the most rapid rise in food insecurity, with approximately 47.7 million individuals in the region affected by hunger in 2022. In Chile, almost three million people, 15.6% of the [...] Read more.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that Latin America and the Caribbean experienced the most rapid rise in food insecurity, with approximately 47.7 million individuals in the region affected by hunger in 2022. In Chile, almost three million people, 15.6% of the country’s population, do not have regular access to sufficient nutritious food and suffer from some form of food insecurity. Moreover, Chile is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and contends with the depletion of several critical natural resources, notably water, stemming from severe and prolonged drought conditions. This article aims to comprehensively evaluate food loss and waste (FLW) in Chile and analyzes the implications of FLW on the sustainable development goal (SDG). This will be achieved by utilizing a top-down mass balance methodology that integrates various data sources and an in-depth analysis of the main food categories at different stages of the food supply chain (FSC). In 2021, Chile generated 5.18 million tons of FLW, with fruit being the largest contributor at 2.5 million tons (48% of total FLW). Vegetables accounted for 0.8 million tons (16%). Other food groups each contributed 1% to 10% of the total FLW. Per capita FLW was 295 kg. FLW varied by food group and FSC stage. Fruits, vegetables, starchy roots, and pulses had the most FLW early in the FSC, while cereals had it later. Comparing FLW with the domestic supply quantity of food, it is observed that 68% of the fruit available for the population was discarded. Vegetables and starchy roots also showed significant volumes of discarded food, with 48% and 29% of the availability of these products in Chile. Furthermore, we explore the implications of FLW on realizing SDG 2—zero hunger, particularly emphasizing its correlation with target 12.3. The research underscores the potential of its findings to significantly shape public policies and strategies concerning FLW and their alignment with the associated SDGs, making a tangible impact on the lives of millions. Full article

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24 pages, 5807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proposition and Application of a Conceptual Model for Risk Management in Rural Areas: Rural Basic Sanitation Safety Plan (RBSSP)

by Rafaella Oliveira Baracho, Nolan Ribeiro Bezerra and Paulo Sérgio Scalize

Resources 2024, 13(7), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070090 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 671

Abstract

Safe access to drinking water and sanitation is a human right and a key goal of sustainable development, which must also be achieved in rural areas. This work proposes and simulates the application of a conceptual model for a basic sanitation safety plan [...] Read more.

Safe access to drinking water and sanitation is a human right and a key goal of sustainable development, which must also be achieved in rural areas. This work proposes and simulates the application of a conceptual model for a basic sanitation safety plan tailored for rural areas, called the Rural Basic Sanitation Safety Plan (RBSSP). The methodology includes technical and scientific review approaches, followed by consultation with specialists through the Delphi method and simulation in a case study. The RBSSP framework includes six fundamental principles, six steps, and twenty actions to be performed. In the case study, the final conceptual model application was simulated for a rural settlement scenario, which led to significant changes in the actions, subdivisions and phases. Key findings highlight that community participation, involvement and empowerment are the most relevant factors for successful implementation. The necessary tools for RBSSP preparation, such as risk assessment methodologies and management plans, must be applied considering the scenario. Finally, after simulating the conceptual model, we conclude that it is necessary to adapt actions and apply methods and techniques developed and appropriate for rural areas to develop an effective RBSSP for each specific scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Water Resources)

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17 pages, 2518 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Aerial Parts (Italian ‘Finocchio di Isola Capo Rizzuto’ PGI): Valorization of Agri-Food Waste as a Potential Source of Lipase Inhibitors and Antioxidants

by Mariangela Marrelli, Carmine Lupia, Maria Pia Argentieri, Roberto Bava, Fabio Castagna, Nadia Cozza, Vincenzo Mollace, Ernesto Palma and Giancarlo Statti

Resources 2024, 13(7), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070089 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 756

Abstract

A large amount of waste material derives from the horticultural industry. These plant matrices constitute a valuable source of active secondary metabolites with a wide spectrum of potential applications, including both human health and veterinary science. Italy is one of the leading European [...] Read more.

A large amount of waste material derives from the horticultural industry. These plant matrices constitute a valuable source of active secondary metabolites with a wide spectrum of potential applications, including both human health and veterinary science. Italy is one of the leading European producers of fennel, and the ‘Finocchio di Isola Capo Rizzuto’ is a protected geographical indication (PGI) product, typical of the Calabria region. In this study, the waste material from this PGI Italian fennel was investigated for the first time as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Both bulbs and aerial parts were extracted with ethanol through maceration, and the phenolic content was assessed, together with the antioxidant properties. Moreover, the nutraceutical value was investigated by evaluating the potential anti-obesity effects. To this end, fennel extracts were studied for their inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase enzyme, which plays a pivotal role in dietary fat absorption. The aerial part extract demonstrated DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀ = 293.13 ± 22.98 µg/mL) and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ = 43.26 ± 1.90 µg/mL), and it was also effective in inhibiting pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 3.51 ± 0.09 mg/mL). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was highlighted between observed biological properties and fennel phenolic constituents. Obtained results show that ‘Finocchio di Isola Capo Rizzuto’ PGI by-products are a good candidate for further investigations as a potential source of antioxidant and anti-obesity agents useful as functional ingredients. Full article

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22 pages, 724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Hotspots and Most Relevant Flows for Red and White Wine Production in Brazil through Life Cycle Assessment: A Case Study

by Tiago Panizzon, Gregório Bircke Salton, Vania Elisabete Schneider and Matheus Poletto

Resources 2024, 13(7), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070088 - 25 Jun 2024

Viewed by 718

Abstract

This study undertakes a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of red and white wine production in Brazil, focusing on a leading winery in the Serra Gaúcha region. Given the notable lack of similar research in this area, our study employs LCA methodologies to evaluate [...] Read more.

This study undertakes a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of red and white wine production in Brazil, focusing on a leading winery in the Serra Gaúcha region. Given the notable lack of similar research in this area, our study employs LCA methodologies to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the winery stage. Our results indicate that although white wine generally exhibits a lower environmental impact than red wine, the specific impacts differ substantially across various environmental categories, highlighting the necessity for context-specific assessments. We also find that electricity consumption, sugar usage, and liquid CO₂ production are the primary drivers of environmental impacts, especially in toxicity-related categories. Moreover, our research critically examines the suitability of the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) within the Brazilian context and proposes a revised set of impact categories. This revision enhances the accounted impacts from 55% in the existing PEFCR 2.0 to 80% in our recommended framework, suggesting the need for more tailored environmental impact assessment tools in regional settings. Through these findings, our study not only addresses a significant gap in LCA research within the Brazilian wine industry but also sets the stage for improved environmental management practices across Brazilian wine industries. These enhancements are crucial for aligning local production processes with global sustainability standards and advancing the environmental stewardship of the wine sector in Brazil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consideration of Critical and Strategic Raw Materials in Life Cycle Management)

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15 pages, 769 KiB

Open AccessReview

Circular Economy, Eco-Innovation and a Business Model for the Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants in Mexico

by Carmen García-Castillo, Erandi Maldonado-Villalpando, Luis Seguí-Amórtegui and Hilda Guerrero-García-Rojas

Resources 2024, 13(7), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070087 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 530

Abstract

Wastewater treatment plants face enormous economic, environmental, technical, and regulatory challenges, including the high energy costs of their operation, waste generation, and the destination of treated water. In this regard, a proposal was made for the operation of municipal WWTPs in Mexico, based [...] Read more.

Wastewater treatment plants face enormous economic, environmental, technical, and regulatory challenges, including the high energy costs of their operation, waste generation, and the destination of treated water. In this regard, a proposal was made for the operation of municipal WWTPs in Mexico, based on the symbiosis of the circular economy and eco-innovation as strategies for sustainable change in their operation. As a result, it was possible to obtain an updated diagnosis of the situation of the WWTPs, a proposal for their operation was made, and a circular and innovative business model was established for these plants in order to channel decision-making and visualize the path for the transition of these facilities to sustainable operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Management, Environment, Energy and Sustainability under a Circular Economy)

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Resources, Volume 13, Issue 7 (July 2024) – 10 articles

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